We explain what imperialism is and what were the causes of this political doctrine. Also, its relationship with colonialism and capitalism.
What is imperialism?
Imperialism is a political doctrine that establishes a hierarchical relationship between two nations: one nation dominates and exercises authority over another. This domination can occur through colonization techniques (settlement, economic exploitation, military presence) or through cultural subordination (also called acculturation).
The term “imperialism” is also used to refer to the period of expansion of European powers that took place between the 16th and 20th centuries and led to the creation of large empires of global reach. At that stage, the great European kingdoms established political, economic and military centers in America, Africa and Asia, for the appropriation of all types of resources.
The most aggressive processes of imperialism can be identified with the conquest and colonization of America (16th and 17th centuries), the establishment of the transatlantic slave trade (16th to 19th centuries) and the so-called “division of Africa” (19th and 20th centuries).
Furthermore, in some historical studies, the expression “the era of imperialism” is used to define the process of radicalization of the competition of European empires between 1870 and 1914, which led to the outbreak of the First World War (1914-1918). .
The relationship between the empire and its colonies is one of political, economic and cultural domination. It is established through force and violence (military conquest) and then a political structure is imposed that consolidates economic and cultural domination (laws, restrictions and taxes that favor the dominant nation).
See also: World power
Causes of imperialism
Among the main causes that led to the expansion of European imperialism are:
- Economic reasons. The need for raw materials and commercial goods led European countries to engage in the acquisition of new territories. In addition to the appropriation of resources in conquered spaces, empires imposed forms of production and extraction with local labor and, in turn, the collection of taxes from new subjects.
- The imperial competition. The various European empires competed with each other for power, influence and control of sea routes and economic resources. This involved the dispute over territories within Europe and, especially, competition in the acquisition and exploitation of territories in Africa, America and Asia.
- Exploring the world and science. The rise of rationalism and the ability of human beings to transform the reality around them (science and technology) required new materials to know and process, in order to accumulate industrial potential that would give them an advantage over other empires.
- ethnocentrism. The prevailing ideology in Europe established the superiority of Europeans over the rest of the societies. The traits that characterized their way of life were seen as a parameter of civilization and progress, compared to the social dynamics of different parts of the world. With this ideology, the process of acculturation (cultural imposition) and elimination of local customs was excused.
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Imperialism and colonialism
The terms “imperialism” and “colonialism” are often used synonymously. However, sometimes specialists use them differently.
Generally, within historiography, the term “imperialism ” to talk about the ideology, the period and the imposition of the European empires on the rest of the world. In addition, the stage that covers the acceleration of European competition for the control of territories between 1870 and 1914 is emphasized.
For its part, the term “colonialism ” is usually used more frequently to talk specifically about the process through which a foreign state manages to impose itself on a territory. That is, it refers to the exploitation mechanisms that the metropolis (colonial or imperial State) establishes on the colony (conquered or colonized territory).
Some authors argue that imperialism can occur without colonialism. In that case, the term “imperialism” is used to talk about imperial domination through the imposition of an unequal relationship between two sovereign States. Instead, the term “colonialism” is used to refer to an imperial State that suppresses the existence of the subject State (or only allows its existence as a colonial State).
Imperialism and capitalism
Many authors argue that imperialism was a decisive factor for the development of the Industrial Revolution and the consolidation of capitalism worldwide. The different European nations obtained the energy sources and resources necessary for industrial development through the expropriation of territories and wealth of the subject nations.
This expropriation generated a structural inequality that established the political and economic superiority of the Western powers over the subject countries, especially in relation to Africa and Latin America.
As time went by, this inequality between the imperial powers and the colonies was consolidated. So much so that even after the fall of imperialism (mid-20th century), the countries that were subjected to the empires continued to suffer its consequences until today.
References
- Ackermann, ME, Schroeder, MJ, et al. (2008). 1750 to 1900 and Africa, imperialism and the partition of. Encyclopedia of World History. Age of Revolution and Empire. Vol IV. Facts on File.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023). Imperialism. The Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/
- Mommsen, W.J. (1995). The era of imperialism. 21st century.
